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PHILADELPHIA, PA (July 8th, 2012) – The Spokane Shock (8-8) traveled east to take on the Philadelphia Soul (14-3) in a week 18 AFL matchup at Wells Fargo Center and were defeated by a final score of 62-48.

The opening of this week’s game may have been a foreshadowing of the differing nature of this contest as opposed to the week 11 outcome earlier this season when Spokane came away with an upset victory. This week, PHI WR Jeff Hughley took the opening kickoff the rebound net and returned it for a 55 yard touchdown, opening the gate for the league’s highest scoring offense to continue to fine tune their play on their way to the AFL Playoff’s with home field advantage in the first round.

Despite the opening kick return for a TD by Philadelphia, the Shock were able answer the call with a touchdown pass from QB Kyle Rowley to WR Rod Harper from 9-yards out and then force an early turnover as Shock LB Terence Moore knocked the ball away from PHI FB Derrick Ross. On the next Spokane possession, QB Kyle Rowley was able to find WR Jeffrey Solomon on a 4-yd strike to give the Shock an early 14-7 lead.

Back and forth action would continue until a costly interception by Spokane would open the door for Philadelphia to take the lead going into the half by a score of 42-34. Shock QB Kyle Rowley finished the first half completing 15 of 24 attempts for 181 yards, 5 TDs and 1 INT. Adron Tennell led the receiving effort posting 8 receptions for 107 yards and 2 TDs. PHI Soul QB Dan Raudabaugh completed all 8 of his attempts for 63 yards and 3 TDs. FB Derrick Ross racked up 77 yards on 7 carries for 2 TDs while WR Larry Brackins led all Soul receivers with 2 receptions for 11 yards and 2 TDs in the first half.

As the second half opened Spokane would lose the handle on the opening kick return straight into the Soul’s hands, opening the door for Philadelphia to take a two score lead at 48-34. The next possession for each team would lead to turnovers as each QB overshot their throws straight into the hands of the defense. Playing through the turnovers by each squad, the third quarter would close still within two scores with Philadelphia leading 55-41.

In the final quarter of play, both team’s offensive production would come to a near stop and would only post one touchdown each. Shock WR Adron Tennell would record his fourth touchdown in the game (his ninth against the Soul this season) and Soul FB Derrick Ross would score for a third time on the ground to help seal the Philadelphia victory. Spokane, down two scores, would make a final push in the last minute of the game to bring the game within one score and a hopeful onside kick but would be intercepted for the fourth time on the night. Philadelphia would finish the remaining seconds off on the clock and go on to a 62-48 victory.

Offensively, Shock QB Kyle Rowley completed 29 of 48 attempts for 325 yards with 7 TDs and 4 INTs. Adron Tennell led the Shock receivers with 13 receptions for 141 yards and 4 TDs. WR Rod Harper would add 9 receptions for 107 yards and one TD. Defensively, LB Terence Moore had 7 tackles and one forced fumble while DB Charles Ealy recorded one interception on the night.

The Philadelphia Soul were led by QB Dan Raudabaugh who completed 16 of 22 attempts for 179 yards with 5 TDs and one INT. FB Derrick Ross gained 83 yards on 11 carries and punched in 3 TDs. Soul WR Donovan Morgan led the receivers with 5 receptions for 59 yards and one TD. Larry Brackins added 4 receptions for 46 yards and 2 TDs. The Soul defense recorded 4 interceptions against the Shock (Stevenson, Richardson, Bear), not only returning the favor from their matchup earlier in the season but sealing the Philadelphia win.